Mayor, Superintendent, and Philadelphia Phillies Encourage City to #RingTheBellPHL for Start of School

PHILADELPHIA – The School District of Philadelphia today teamed up with the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park to remind families and students that school starts for all grades on Monday, August 27, and to officially unveil its #RingTheBellPHL campaign.

“We want to make sure our students and families are ready for the first day of school on Monday, August 27,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent. “We are so excited to welcome our students and staff back a little earlier this year and to continue to build on the progress we made last year. We know our students’ potential is limitless and we are ready to kick off what’s sure to be another successful school year.”

To help generate excitement for the first day of school, Dr. Hite said the District is encouraging citywide participation in its #RingTheBellPHL campaign, new this year.

“We hope that everyone, across the city, rings a bell at 8 a.m. on Monday, August 27 in support of our students headed back to school,” said Dr. Hite. “Whether you use a real bell or audio from your phone, we are hoping to get the entire city ringing with excitement to welcome students back to school!”

Dr. Hite was joined at today’s press conference by Phillies left fielder Rhys Hoskins; Mayor Jim Kenney; Joyce Wilkerson, President of the Board of Education; Scott Palmer, Director of Public Affairs for the Philadelphia Phillies; Donna Frisby-Greenwood, President and CEO of The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia; City Council members Jannie Blackwell, Cindy Bass, and Helen Gym; District students; and members of the faith-based and business communities.

Attendees also stressed the importance of solid attendance for students.

“It’s time for us all to cheer on our students throughout the city, and help them be all-stars this school year,” said Hoskins. “We need to do all we can to ensure our students are attending school. When our students are in school every day, on time and ready to learn, they are best positioned for success.”

Families with any questions about what they need to do to get ready for the first day of school can find more information at philasd.org.